Cruising Tips – Maintenance

Sail Staff | September 26, 2006

A Burned Impeller (August 2006)

Impellers for the engines raw-water pump dont last forever. Even if they arent destroyed by having been run dry following a blockage in the raw-water line, they still deteriorate over the years. If youve never had to change one, try installing a new one when the boat is safe on its mooring, and then go out and buy a new spare. You might be surprised by what you discover:

Some raw-water pumps require a fresh gasket each time the impeller is changed. Do you have a gasket on hand?

Does your screwdriver fit the machine screws that attach the cover plate?

Might you lose a screw in the bilge? Its so easy to do. If so, can you reach it, or should you carry a couple of spares?

All this is vital knowledge when you have to do the job heeled over in rough seas on a dark night. Tom Cunliffe